Size difference between Snubbies?

[RH Factor]

I'm going to get a snubbie (.38) in the next week or so, but I'd like to get the smallest. I'd also like to make sure of the quality. Is there much difference in the size between the S&W and the Taurus. Any sugestions would be appreciated.

 

[Coltdriver]

A snubbie can come in many frame sizes. For the smallest you want a J frame.

The weight in a j frame can vary from 12 oz to 20+ oz depending on model.

Some people have had very good service from Taurus. Others have not. Most problems that I have heard of regarding S&W comes when someone purchases a gun that has been modified or is just worn out.

I would go with a S&W. Do your homework, learn how to check for timing and lockup. It is not difficult to figure out in about two minutes if a revolver is tight or shot out or somewhere in between.

 

[tomkatz]

Smiths are a little bit smaller. Coltdriver pretty much covered the quality thing, use Jim March revolver check out and you can't go wrong. I use an airweight mdl 38 sometimes, when I can go a little bigger I go with ruger sp101, great little snubgun......tom

 

[Jim March]

Taurus and S&W 5-shooters are generally exactly the same size, or close enough so as not to make a difference.

WEIGHT is a different matter, in stainless they're the same but in "ultralight", S&W has the "edge" if you like guns that recoil so much they not only hurt a lot, they can yank the rounds clean out of the shells .

In both brands, 38Spl variants are a tad physically smaller than the 357 types. The difference isn't very significant, but it's there.

Recommended reading:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=16774

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=12507

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=10130

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=12554

My advice:

Most of the people complaining about a Taurus had the Titanium or aluminum stuff...the stainless appears to be easier for them to build, judging from various comments. Don't take that to the bank though, it's not a "scientific survey".

In any case, a stainless five-shooter will set you back a lot less than an "unobtanium" piece. Spend the difference on a quality IWB holster and a good belt, and don't look back!

 

[RH Factor]

Good advise...I printed out Jim's checklist back when we were on TFL, and have it at the ready. When handling the "airweights", "lightweights", or whatever they're calling them that day, they feel really nice and light and easy to carry in a pocket or ankle or where ever. But if there will be a confidence problem with them due to recoil...that's something else.

 

[MikeJ]

In my very biased opinion I think the S&W 642 Centennial is the best snubbie out there. My reasoning is that it doesn't suffer from some of the problems that the scandium and titanium models do, such as unseating rounds and bullet weight limitations, yet it still weighs only 15 oz. Having an internal hammer makes it the most versatile snubbie in terms of carry options, where guns with external hammers can snag on clothing as they are drawn. As was mentioned previously S&W in my opinion is a better overall product than Taurus. Good luck and let us know what you decide. Mike

 

[Kentucky Rifle]

For my latest .38 Special I chose a model 638 AirWEIGHT. 15 ounces and recoil seems like nothing since I shot a scandium .357 magnum. (It was FAR worse than my Glock 27 .40 caliber.) For an AirLITE Ti, I chose a model 331 in .32 H&R Magnum. Recoil in the two pistols seems to be about the same. I did install wood grips on both revolvers. The thicker, Hogue Pau Ferro wood grips went on the 638. The Hogues feel quite a bit thicker than the thin walnut grips on my 331. Good contour too. I believe the shape of the Hogues spreads the recoil impulse around my palm, thus reducing "felt recoil". (Plus, they're beautiful. )

KR

 

[Serpico]

All good points....but I'm with MikeJ...I have the 442 (same as the 642 but blue) and it is a perfect compromise of size and weight...Jim is right about a good IWB helping with the weight if you want a nice all steel but I have found with a good IWB holster I can carry a bit larger weapon...my snubbie is relegated to pocket or ankle carry and for that reason, I chose a lightweight model....YMMV

 

[SouthpawShootr]

I've always had S&W revolvers. Have had 3 Taurus snubbies (still have 2). As Jim said above, the Taurus and Smith J-frame size guns are essentially the same size BUT the Taurus seems to be just a little too big for Kydex, and I imagine other plastic, holsters. All my leather j-frame holsters worked just fine with the Taurus 85s (had a carbon steel and currently have titanium). Now, my 650 Taurus CIA in .357 is will not fit in any holster that fits my 640 S&W Centennial (the 650 fits in holsters made for SP101). I've not had problems with either Taurus or Smith snubbies, so I can't comment on factory repair issues. Workmanship: Smith takes the edge. S&W tend to be just a bit better in fit and finish areas compared to Taurus. Try a few out (handle them and shoot them if you can) in each brand and see what you like. Smith, Taurus, or Ruger - you'll probably do well with any. If Colt was still a player in defensive revolvers, then their Magnum Carry was promising, but I can't recommend it since it is out of production at least for the near future.

 

[10-Ring]

I'd recommend the S&W j-frames. I've experienced enough variance in Taurus quality to be cautious in recommending them

 

[P95Carry]

Whilst my Taurus M85 is not all that light, it is adequately compact for me for summer carry. Useage is limited to practice sessions and so far performance has been troublefree.

Worth considering IMO ...... I like it.

 

[Jim March]

For the record: I do NOT consider a 15oz 38Spl "too light". That's as light as I'd want to go; my personal 38spl snubbie is 17oz and I'm sticking with that as it's a good specimen and shoots well (tuned very early model Charter Arms Undercover, mixed steel/aluminum construction).

But if I had to replace it, if I could find an affordable, reliable 15oz beastie I'd buy it.

For 357, I'd want 19/20oz as a personal minimum. I'd rather have 26oz (steel K-Frame or SP101).

 

[popeye]

Big n Small

 

[customfret]

For some reason, I can shoot the only slightly larger Colt Det. Spl. quite a bit more accurately than "J" frames, & it holds 6 rounds. It also carrys so comfortably IWB in an Alessi Talon + holster that I usually forget it's been there all day until I unfasten my belt upon getting ready for bed. One mighty sweet snubby you might also want to consider......

 

[MR.G]

I recommend the S&W 638. Shrouded hammer, and only weighs 15 ounces.

 

[280PLUS]

i know the rest of you will want to...

if you hear me say it again but take a look at the s&w 331/332, .32 mag. 6 shots, 14 oz loaded, won't rip your arm off but definitely goes kapow!

i also just tried and liked #317 - same frame .22lr and 8 shots. loaded with stingers i think it would be a fairly formidable pd weapon as well

i'm not crazy about the sights or finish on either of them. minor if pd is your main concern.

m

 

[280PLUS]

oops,,,

 

[Poohgyrr]

Smallest?? Smith J frame .38. The .357 J frames are just a hair bigger, and the Colt Detective Special (only available used now, but still a great little .38) is also a tad bigger. Both are great, proven little .38's that can be very comforting.

The new super lightweight titaniums carry easy, but for they kick MUCH more, toooo much for me. A good holster and a steel J frame have worked very well for a lot of folks for a very long time and is what I use. If I had to have something lighter, the airweight has been pretty good as well for a long time.